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About Team Asa

Team Asa celebrates today and every day! Our objective is to create those stand-up-and-cheer, finish-line-crossing, best-day-ever kind of moments for people whose lives could be greatly enhanced through the miracle of camaraderie.

From bowling with his friends on Saturday mornings and swimming the third leg for his team’s relay, to taking home Special Olympics Arizona’s “Most Inspirational Athlete” award at the Fall 2008 State Games, Asa Lynn Draper radiated positivity, light and sportsmanship.

Despite the physical challenges he experienced due to Neurofibromatosis, which included being legally blind and deaf, Asa lived, loved, and played like a champion…as if every day was a gift. Shouldn’t we all? It is in his memory that we provide those stand-up-and-cheer opportunities to others, like Asa, who just need a little extra team spirit. BRRRRing It!

Team Asa believes in working hard and playing hard! Please join our team. We are always looking for more Polar Bears, Teddy Bears and volunteers!

Your Donations make these Moments Possible

Here are a few of the stand-up-and-cheer, finish-line-crossing, best-day-ever kind of moments we’ve been able to share with some extraordinary people. Thank you for helping to make these moments possible.

Devon got a ticket to ride again

Devon has always enjoyed the freedom his bike afforded him, he proudly rode it to and from work everyday. Unfortunately, someone stole his bike and essentially his freedom.

Devon is 6’8″ and after some research, we learned that a regular bike wouldn’t fit him. So Team Asa had a custom 3-wheel bike built for Devon – in his favorite color! You can find Devon cruising down the streets of Tempe with a giant smile on his face.

Happy Runner

Fourth grader Joaquin wanted to participate in his school’s triathlon – a swim, bike and run event. Joaquin’s adapted PE teacher, Ms. Sally, was tasked with finding a way to make this possible.

She taught her blind student, who was afraid of the water, to swim; and helped him to become a runner. To help Joaquin continue his list of amazing accomplishments, Team Asa purchased a tandem bicycle for the TD3 Adapted PE Program. Joaquin is now part of his school’s triathlon team.

Joaquin completed his first triathlon on May 3, 2015 and is already asking “When is the next one?”

New Equipment for Tempe High School Adapted PE Program

With funds raised from the Macy’s Shop for a Cause Fundraiser, Team Asa was able to provide the Tempe High School Adapted PE program with brand new equipment. Students will now be able to participate in recreational activities like bowling and basketball.

A Service Dog For Suzy

Suzy is a sweet little girl who needed a service dog to give her a sense of familiarity in strange situations. Suzy was diagnosed with autism, something that can sometimes cause overwhelming moments when faced with unfamiliar surroundings. A service dog will allow Suzy to transition from place to place and feel safe with a furry companion at her side. Several fundraisers were held to support Suzy in receiving this special dog and Team Asa was happy to be a small support in helping this little girl receive her new friend.

Team Tempe Special Olympics

Team Asa’s very first event- the Inaugural Polar Bear Plunge- was held with the goal of raising just enough money to purchase new swimsuits for the Tempe Special Olympics swim team. Little could we imagine that we would raise enough to purchase swimsuits and start many other Asa Moments. Team ASA continues to support Tempe Special Olympics- creating winning occasions for all those athletes!

Buddy Bowling

Buddy Bowling is an awesome program in Tempe that provides children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities the ability to participate in weekly bowling matches. This was our families introduction to Tempe’s Adapted Recreation Program. Team Asa continues to support this amazing opportunity and provides scholarships for individuals to participate.

The Arc of Tempe is a non-profit organization advocating for and serving individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in the Tempe area since 1965. Team Asa is happy to support the Arc’s recreational program which provides clients a social outlet, as well as an education in life skills and community living.